250 gram Mandala Silver Buds Raw - 2008

I got my first order from Mandala today and I could barely contain the excitement. Inside my package were some very generous bonus goodies including a tea needle, thanks so much Garret.

First steep:
The aroma of the steeped tea produced the scents I am accustomed to in a typical silver needle, which are nectar and hay. There was also a bit of that “aged” smell along with it. As for the taste, all the flavors were subtle as I expected. The most dominant flavor to me is that of a crisp, sweet and slightly tart apple, with just the slightest bit of pu-erh earthiness. Some hints of spice are also present.

Second steep:
The apple flavor has turned more towards pear, and there are hints of sandalwood and a trace of camphor. Along with that, there is also some maltiness.

And I’m gonna leave it at that for now, I’l take it to further steepings some other time but for now I’m just too excited about trying my other new teas! This was a truly unique and delicious tea experience, I quite enjoyed it.

I got a sample size of this beeng from Mandala to check out. I’ve only had one other white pu-erh – I find them intriguing and they aren’t too easy to find.

I decided to steep this up in the gaiwan this morning. I did give the leaves a quick rinse with boiling water.

My first infusion is really lovely – it has the sweetness and smoothness of a delicious white tea with a hint of lingering smoke in the background. I am getting nectar like flavors with a bit of apple. Very mild in flavor.

My second steep I accidentally spaced out on the timing. I must have left it for two minutes or more. The flavor is a lot more assertive than I was expecting. It got more smoky and slightly musty but still very easygoing and delicious.

The third steep I used water that was around 180 F for 45 seconds or so, I’m getting a honey like aroma with tiny hints of malt and apple, again. The other reviewer mentioned nutmeg and I agree. This is definitely a non-finicky tea as the description states. Charming and interesting! I think this will age quite nicely. Good job Mandala… I would go for more infusions now but it’s time for work and I may need to revisit this when I am slightly less rushed for time.

Quick Notes at Work
Thanks again to Amy Oh for sharing with me , I really appreciate it :)

The leaves smell faintly sweet but after a quick wash you can smell the sweetness and some of that slight raw puerh bitterness that is floral. I love Silver Bud Puerhs because it has all the characteristics of a Sheng in the most subtle of ways. Its complex simplicity if that makes sense.

The liquor is darker than I expected, specially for a younger puerh. It has an orange hue with slightly lively still. It smells sweet and slightly floral. It tastes sweet, mellow and smooth. I notice the slightest bit of astringency as it washes down but it may be because of the hairs in the bud (need a fine filter for work I guess).

The after taste is sweet and slightly floral, a little bit ‘juicy’ but also taste ‘greener’ like a Yunnan Silver Needle would taste like. Reminds me of Yunnan’s Sourcing’s ‘Jing Gu “White Pekoe Silver Needles” White Tea’ I bought once.

Overall a good Puerh, If you don’t mind younger Puerh or are too afraid to start with them I would try this one. I feel like it needs more aging, it still has some of its greener taste to it. I would Buy and store it ;)

The 2008 Silver Needle Sheng is a treat. I’m so glad Garrett over at Mandala chose to commission this brick and share it with the rest of us! It has been three years since the picking and the buds are already turning in color. The brew is much thicker than your typical Silver Needle White, and the liquor is much deeper in hue as well. Spiced notes of nutmeg are present while still possessing many of its white tea qualities. Much different from a White Peony Sheng Pu’er, but that’s a good thing. With aging this should become a rare and expensive beeng.